Barons Blog

Brandon Morrow has pitched well in the absence of J.J. Putz, but the Mariners want their regular closer soon. Putz threw 20 pitches Monday as he tries to work his way back from triceps tendon inflammation and an irritated ulnar nerve.

Jarrod Washburn pitched a complete game, allowing four runs on seven hits in eight innings, but the Mariners dropped a 4-3 decision to the host A's on Monday night. Richie Sexson staked the Mariners to a lead with a three-run homer.

Mariners catcher Jamie Burke was bummed about losing the game while pitching an inning against the Tigers on Sunday, but he got an overwhelming response from well-wishers on his cell phone after it was over.

Mariners interim manager Jim Riggleman can't say he really remembers Cesar Jimenez from Spring Training. But Riggleman knows who Jimenez is now after the left-hander threw four hitless innings in a 15-inning loss to the Tigers on Sunday.

Catcher Jamie Burke allowed a run as a pitcher in the 15th inning, as the Mariners dropped a 2-1 decision to the visiting Tigers on Sunday. The Mariners scored in the third inning on Yuniesky Betancourt's RBI double.

Only a few players have been selected as the All-Star Game's Most Valuable Player more than once, and never has there been a back-to-back winner, but that is something Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki could bring to fruition next week.

Mariners interim manager Jim Riggleman is juggling his lineups daily and keeping players fresh, and he is getting good results, as Seattle opens a four-game series Monday against the host Athletics.

Mariners left-hander Erik Bedard, who has missed several starts with hip and back problems, will not make Wednesday's scheduled start against the Athletics with tightness in his left shoulder. Bedard could start later in the week.

Jeff Clement smacked a long solo homer in the sixth inning, then added a two-run shot in the eighth as the Mariners earned a 3-2 decision over the visiting Tigers on Saturday night. R.A. Dickey allowed just two runs on four hits in six innings for a no-decision.